BIOGRAPHY

Born November 18, 1871

On August 13, 1900, Harry joined the fire department as a substitute member of Hose Co. 6, located at 47 Burnham Street, near Lowell Street in the Libby-town section of Portland.  His occupation was a Driver for the W.H. Thaxter Company, a local grain dealer.

On March 9, 1903, he became a regular Callman when Hose Co. 6 upgraded as a steam engine company, and relocated to a new firehouse at 401 Portland Street (Park Ave.).  He was assigned Badge #130.

Harry was also a member of the Portland Veteran Firemen’s Association.

On March 7th, 1913, shortly after 6 PM, Police Patrolman Dorsey discovered a fire at  432 Commercial Street, opposite the foot of Park Street at the head of Sturdivant Wharf.  The building housed the Royal Remedy Co. (a medicine company).  Officer Dorsey pulled Fire Alarm Box 64.  Engine 6 Callman Harmon responded to the rapidly-spreading fire on the second-alarm.  The fire produced heavy black smoke and spread rapidly in the four story building and into another large building, threatening the lumber yard district before it was brought under control.  After the fire, Hoseman Harmon contracted a cold from the effects of being thoroughly wet and was ill from exposure to the toxic smoke.

On March 18th, 1913, Hoseman Harmon, age 41, died of pneumonia and exposure to the smoke he received at this fire.  Harry was predeceased by a 6th child, son Roger and his 7th child, daughter Jeanette.

He was survived by his wife Edith H. and his remaining 7 children; Bertha, Lettie, Frank, Harry Jr., Amy, George and Edith K.

Hoseman Harmon was buried in Forest City Cemetery in N-147, Veranda Avenue from Union (R)